CFD Analysis of Heat Transfer Enhancement in a Flat-Plate Solar Collector/Evaporator with Different Geometric Variations in the Cross Section

Abstract

There is a growing demand from the industrial sector and the population to cover the need for water temperature increases that can be covered with systems such as heat pumps. The present research aims to increase the heat transfer to the working fluid in a collector/evaporator, part of a solar-assisted direct expansion heat pump. This research was developed using a numerical analysis and by applying computational fluid dynamics; different simulations were performed to compare the performances of collector/evaporators with models exhibiting variations in the cross-section profile under similar conditions. An average incident solar radiation of 464.1 W·m−2 was considered during the analysis. For the comparison, profiles with hexagon-, four-leaf clover-, and circular-shaped sections with floral shapes, among others, were analysed, resulting in a temperature increase at the outlet of the working fluid of 1.3 °C. In comparison, the collector/evaporator surface temperature varied between 4 and 13.8 °C, while the internal temperature of the fluid reached 11.21 °C. Finally, it is indicated that the best results were presented by analysing the profile corresponding to the circular section with the flower shape.

Heat Transfer Enhancements Assessment in Hot Water Generation with Phase Change Materials (PCMs): A Review

“…Although the numerical investigation conducted by Quitiaquez et al [136] focuses on enhancing heat transfer within a solar collector/evaporator primarily used in heating systems, it reveals a notable improvement in heat generation when modifying the crosssection of the tubes, as illustrated in Figure 12. As a result, alternative geometries are being considered for HWGS.…”

Numerical Simulation of the Heat Transfer Inside a Shell and Tube Heat Exchanger Considering Different Variations in the Geometric Parameters of the Design

“…Navier-Stokes equations, which involve the conservation of continuity (mass), the quantity of motion, and energy, as seen in Equations ( 1), (2), and (3), respectively, were used to determine the behavior of the working fluids during the heat exchange [21,22]. Mathematical models can be selected according to the characteristics of the study to calculate the influence of the conditions in the heat transfer process through walls, as it was presented in the work of Chihab et al [23].…”

Study of Steam Generation and Distribution in a Hospital to Improve Energy Efficiency Using Thermography, Ultrasound, and Gas Analyzer

“…The current total heat loss of the piping system is 15.33 kW, of which, 7.36 kW is lost in the uninsulated pipes, representing 48 % of the total losses. Currently, the steam system falls outside the parameters defined by the NEC energy efficiency standard regulations [26], as it exceeds the permissible maximum energy loss of 4% attributable to inadequate insulation [27].…”